The City of Hamilton put the finishing touches to its traditional Christmas tree yesterday – with some help from youngsters from an autism education centre.

Kingsley Ming, a pupil at autism services centre Tomorrow’s Voices, was invited to help place the ornament on the City Hall tree – a tradition that marks the start of the city’s festive season.

The Corporation of Hamilton will celebrate the festive season at City Hall on Friday with their annual Tree of Lights ceremony and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

The Tree of Lights ceremony will be attended by Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, who will light up the tree, and representatives from Tomorrow’s Voices, who have teamed up with the city authorities for the event for years.

A spokeswoman for the City of Hamilton admitted that the lighting up ceremony could not be the same as in previous years because of Covid-19 restrictions.

She added that the City had to “adopt a different format for the evening” and instead invited the public to visit City Hall after the ceremony – particularly those who were in the city for Black Friday sales or a meal.

A photographer will be on site to take Christmas-themed family photographs and children will get the opportunity to get a socially-distanced picture with Santa.

Hot chocolate from Hamilton coffee shop Brew will also be available for purchase and the first 75 people in line will get a free cup and Santa hat.

The Tree of Lights ceremony will be on the City Hall lawn at 6.30pm and the photoshoot will run from 7pm to 9pm.